Addiction Terms to Know Part 1, A-L
Drug and Alcohol Addiction Terms to Know
Upon seeking help for an addiction, you may hear and see some unfamiliar words, or some words that are used time and time again. Cypress West, a reputable center for IOP addiction help and family programs in Naples, shares some basic information below on important addiction terms to know that are commonly used.
A
Abstinence
To refrain from drug or alcohol use.
Addiction
A physically or emotionally dependent craving for an addictive substance daily.
Addiction Counselor
An addiction treatment provider, such as the professionals at Cypress West, who provide group and individualized counseling.
Assessment
An evaluation of a person’s medical history, use history, current health status, symptoms of addiction, potential withdrawals, and other health conditions. Allows for the formation of an individualized treatment program.
B
Benzodiazepine
A group of depressants used to induce sleep, produce sedation, relieve anxiety, etc.
Buprenorphine
Medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of opioid addiction.
C
Carcinogen
A cancer-causing chemical agent.
Case Management
Connecting individuals to support services and other resources for recovery support.
Chronic
A term to describe problems that are permanent and ongoing.
Codependency
A set of compulsive behaviors learned by family members in order to survive in a family experiencing emotional pain and stress.
Compulsive
A term used to describe thoughts or behaviors driven by anxiety.
D
Dependency
The consistent reliance on a person, thing, drugs, alcohol, etc. in order to function.
Detoxification
A medically supervised process of assisting the body to rid itself of drugs or alcohol while effectively managing the symptoms that come with withdrawals.
E
Enabling
Helping an addicted person do the things that they should be doing for themselves, which causes progression of the disease and the addiction problem.
F
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Physical and mental birth defects that can result when a woman drinks alcohol during her pregnancy. Children and adults born with FAS have learning, attention, memory, and problem-solving difficulties.
G
GHB
Gamma Hydroxybutyrate, which is a clear liquid taken for its euphoric and relaxing effects. GHB can be used as a date rape drug and overuse can lead to physical addiction and harm.
H
Harm Reduction
Often the first stage of addiction treatment which involves reducing therapy instead of stopping the target behavior.
I
Induction
Beginning phase of buprenorphine treatment.
Inpatient Treatment
An addiction treatment path that requires overnight stays, usually in a hospital setting.
L
Legal Drugs
Everyday drugs not for medical use, like alcohol, caffeine, carbohydrates, nicotine, etc.
Licensing
A mandatory approval process required by state law through which addiction treatment facilities and individual treatment providers are approved to provide services.